1. Russia

2. 1825
Tsar Alexander I dies and Russia enters a period of turmoil.

3. Serfdom Harsher than Western European Serfdom De facto slavery
Backwards system- no incentive for change or increased production

4. Decembrists Revolt
Army officers returning from Western Europe fighting Napoleon had been exposed to Enlightenment ideas of the west.
Want a constitution for Russia
“Constantine and Constitution”

5. Nicholas I Resists change- keeps absolutism
Keeps serfdom to ensure the loyalty of the Boyars (Russian Landlords)
Limits education to help control the upper class
Sets up secret police

6. Alexander II “Frees” the serfs Serfs own land communally in Mirs
Peasants still kept tied to the land
Sets up Zemstvos- Local councils with limited powers

7. Russians Want More Change!
By the late 1800’s-
Many peasant riots
Educated Russians forced to meet and discuss politics in secret
Nihilism- complete destruction needed before rebuilding
Narodniki- narod (people)- students who worked with peasants. Schooling and medical services. Practical and revolutionary.

8. Alexander III Believed in Autocracy
“Autocracy, Orthodoxy, Nationality”
Discrimination against non-Russians, non-Orthodox Christians
Pogroms